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California Water Rebates

Fresno, California Water Rebates

The City of Fresno Department of Public Utilities runs an expanded Lawn to Garden rebate that pays $2 per square foot to replace a front lawn with water-efficient plants, up to 1,500 square feet ($3,000 max) for residential customers. The step most people miss: you have to request a free Water-Wise Landscape Consultation and get your project approved before you remove any grass.

$2 / sq ft, up to $3,000

Lawn to Garden Rebate

Open the official program site

How to apply

  1. Confirm you are a City of Fresno water customer
  2. Request a free Water-Wise Landscape Consultation through the FresGO app or by dialing 3-1-1 within city limits
  3. Wait for your project to be approved before removing any grass
  4. Remove the lawn and install water-efficient plants per the consultation recommendations
  5. Submit your after photos and receipts to receive $2 per sq ft, up to $3,000

What you'll need

  • City of Fresno water account number
  • Water-Wise Consultation confirmation
  • Before photos of the existing lawn
  • Project approval confirmation
  • After photos and itemized receipts

Pollinator Patch can help: It picks Fresno-appropriate San Joaquin Valley natives, designs an HOA-friendly low-water layout, and assembles your before-photo and plant-list packet so the Water-Wise Consultation and approval go smoothly.

Avoid these mistakes

  • Don't remove your lawn before the Water-Wise Consultation and project approval. Starting early disqualifies the project.
  • Don't assume funding is open-ended. The rebate is grant-funded and first-come, first-served, so apply early.
  • Don't skip the consultation step. It is required, not optional, and it sets the approved plant and irrigation plan.

Fresno Water Rebate FAQs

How much does Fresno pay to remove a lawn?
$2 per square foot to replace a front lawn with water-efficient plants, up to 1,500 square feet, which is a $3,000 maximum for residential customers (City of Fresno Department of Public Utilities, verified June 2026).
Can I remove my lawn first and apply later?
No. You have to request a free Water-Wise Landscape Consultation and get your project approved before you remove any grass. Starting early disqualifies the project.
Is the Fresno rebate first-come, first-served?
Yes. The expanded Lawn to Garden rebate is funded by a state Urban Community Drought Relief grant and runs first-come, first-served, so funds can be exhausted. Apply early.
What is the Water-Wise Consultation?
It is a free service from the Water Conservation Program that recommends water-wise plants, irrigation, and lawn-removal approaches for the Fresno area. It is required before you remove your lawn.

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Plan a native yard with Pollinator Patch.

Pick the right native plants for your region, design an HOA-friendly layout, and generate documentation that supports your rebate application.

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Programs change throughout the year. If something here is out of date or wrong, tell us and we'll check it against the provider.

We compile these programs from utility and city pages, and not every amount here has been independently confirmed. Program details also change throughout the year. Always verify requirements, amounts, and eligibility directly with your water utility before starting work. Pollinator Patch is not affiliated with any rebate program and does not guarantee approval.